Howard County Briefs

The Columbia Association hosts a 1-2-3 Magic Parenting Workshop, led by Lacey Tsonis of the Howard County Office of Children's Services, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the Columbia Association Columbia Gym, 6151 Daylong Lane in Clarksville. 1-2-3 Magic, based on the bestselling book series, is a nationally recognized program for parents who want to reduce challenging behaviors while also improving positive behaviors in children ages 2-12. Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $8 per person. Information: 410-381-7559.

'Rent'

Silhouette Stages presents its fall production of Jonathan Larson's Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning musical/rock opera from Oct. 25 to Nov. 4 at Slayton House Theater, 10400 Cross Fox Lane in Columbia. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, with 3 p.m. matinees Sundays. Tickets are $18; $15 for seniors, students, and military. For tickets and more information, call 410-637-5289 or go to silhouettestages.com.

Food and wine tasting

The Y of Central Maryland hosts its eighth annual Food & Wine Tasting beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at the Dancel Family Center Y, 4331 Montgomery Road in Ellicott City. Guests can enjoy a sampling of food from more than 20 local restaurants and wine accompaniments, as well as live music, auction items and raffles. Proceeds benefit the Y's Safe Place for Kids Campaign. Tickets are $60; $40 for Y members. Information: 410-465-4334.

The Glenelg United Methodist Church Food Pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. the third Saturday of every month at 13900 Burntwoods Road. Groceries, toiletries and household products are available to those in need at 13900 Burntwoods Road. Information: 410-489-7260.

Auditions

Columbia Pro Cantare is holding auditions for all parts for its 36th anniversary season. Works to be performed include "Carmina Burana," Handel's "Messiah," Faure's "Requiem," and works from Spain and Latin America. Call 410-730-8549 to schedule an audition. Information: procantare.org.

A-OK (Assist Our Kids) Mentoring-Tutoring Inc. seeks adult volunteers to work in Howard County public schools and in after-school programs. Volunteers may work with individual students or small groups during and after school. Volunteers are asked to commit for one hour a week for a minimum of one school year. Information: 410-730-6030 or 410-740-3850.

Guided hikes

The Howard County Conservancy offers free guided hikes and talks on the second Saturday of the month. Visitors can enjoy an easy walk in the meadows and woods of the conservancy, 10520 Old Frederick Road in Woodstock. Information: 410-465-8877 or go to hcconservancy.org.

Theater rental

The Howard County Arts Council has announced the availability of the Black Box Theatre for rental. The 98-seat multipurpose performance space is equipped with professional sound and lighting equipment, nearby dressing rooms, padded seats, black stage curtains and a sprung dance floor. A performance grand piano is available for rental through a separate agreement with the Howard County Music Teachers Association.

All renters of the theater are required to carry a commercial liability insurance policy of $1 million. Other requirements and rental request forms and rates can be found at hocoarts.org. Rental request forms should be mailed to Room Rentals, Howard County Arts Council, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City 21043.

Kindred Spirits

Kindred Spirits, a social club for people diagnosed with early memory loss or dementia, meets from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the 50+ Center at the Gary J. Arthur Community Center, 2700 Route 97, Cooksville. Highlights include therapeutic activities, including music, art and exercise, as well as a support group. A daily fee of $30 includes snacks, lunch, coffee and tea. The program is sponsored by the Howard County Office on Aging and the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Maryland. Information: Judy Miller at 410-313-5441 or jumiller@howardcountymd.gov.

Recycling cans

Habitat for Humanity and the Boy Scouts of America have placed a collection bin for aluminum cans at the entrance to the parking lot of Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church, 6410 Amherst Ave., in Allview Estates. Information: 410-997-4949.